After-School Program Leader job description template

After-school program leaders supervise school-age children after the school day ends: running homework time, games, crafts and outdoor play, and making sure every child goes home with an approved adult. The shifts are short and in the afternoon, so a good post states the hours, the ages served and whether staff also walk or ride with children from school.

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After-School Program Leader

Part-time
Your Company is hiring an after-school program leader to make afternoons safe, fun and productive for the kids in our program. You'll lead a group through snack, homework help, activities and outdoor play, keep track of every child at all times and release children only to approved adults. If you enjoy working with school-age kids and can keep a group engaged and on track, we'd like to meet you.

What you’ll do

  • Check children in when they arrive from school or the bus, and take attendance right away
  • Serve snacks and follow each child's allergy and dietary information
  • Run homework time and help kids with reading, math and assignments
  • Lead games, crafts, sports, science projects and outdoor play
  • Know where every child in your group is at all times, including during transitions
  • Release children only to adults on their authorized pickup list, checking ID when needed
  • Handle conflicts and behavior calmly, and share concerns with parents and the site director
  • Set up and clean up activity spaces and keep track of supplies

What we’re looking for

  • Experience with school-age children, such as coaching, tutoring, camp or babysitting
  • Meets the staff qualifications our state's licensing rules require
  • Willing to complete the background check our state requires for staff who work with children
  • Available every weekday afternoon during the school year
  • Energetic, patient and happy to join in active games

Nice to have

  • Coursework in education, recreation or child development
  • CPR and First Aid certification
  • Experience leading arts, sports or science activities

Schedule

Part-time, weekday afternoons from school dismissal until the last pickup, during the school year. Full-day shifts may be available on school breaks and during summer camp.

What we offer

  • Consistent afternoon hours that fit around morning classes or another job
  • Paid training, including CPR and First Aid
  • Discounted tuition for your own school-age children
  • Full-day hours during school breaks and summer, if you want them

Add your pay, location and schedule when you post. Jobs that show pay get noticeably more applicants.

Screening questions for an after-school program leader

Ask these on the application form to sort applicants quickly. They’re added automatically when you post this template.

  • Are you available every weekday afternoon during the school year?Yes / No · required
  • What experience do you have working with school-age children?Short answer · required
  • Describe a game or activity you'd lead with a mixed group of six- to twelve-year-olds.Paragraph

After-School Program Leader interview questions

  1. How would you get a group of kids to settle down and start their homework?
  2. A child says they have no homework, but their parent asked you to make sure it gets done. What do you do?
  3. An adult you don't recognize arrives to pick up a child. Walk me through what happens next.
  4. Two kids start arguing over a game. How do you handle it?
  5. What would you plan for a rainy afternoon when you can't go outside?
  6. How do you include a child who seems shy or left out?
  7. Tell me about a time you had to tell a parent about a problem with their child.

Tips for hiring an after-school program leader

  • Recruit at local colleges, especially education and recreation programs. Afternoon hours fit around morning classes.
  • Complete every clearance your state's licensing rules require before a new leader's first day with children, and keep the records on file.
  • Hold a group interview with a short game or activity. You'll see who takes charge kindly and keeps everyone included.
  • Offer extra hours during school breaks and summer camp. More hours across the year help keep part-time staff from leaving mid-year.